Quick disconnect valve assembly

ABSTRACT

A quick disconnect valve assembly includes first and second valve elements configured to releasably engage each other. Each valve element includes a housing that defines a valve seat and a fluid passageway. A plunger is disposed within each housing and arranged for selective engagement with a corresponding valve seat. Each plunger is biased into a sealing engagement with the valve seat by a resilient element disposed within the housing. Consequently, the fluid passageway of each valve element is closed off when the first and second valve elements are separated from each other. When the valve elements are engaged, the respective biases associated with the plungers counteract each other to the extent that each plunger is lifted off the corresponding valve seat and fluid communication is established between the respective fluid passageways of the first and second valve elements.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. Utility application Ser. No.10/970,147, entitled QUICK DISCONNECT VALVE ASSEMBLY, filed Oct. 21,2004 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,117,892. This application also claims thebenefit of all of the following provisional applications, each of whichis incorporated herein in its respective entirety by this reference:U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/514,365, entitled QUICKRELEASE VALVE ASSEMBLY, filed Oct. 24, 2003; U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 60/527,450, entitled QUICK RELEASE VALVE ASSEMBLY,filed Dec. 5, 2003; and, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.60/608,808, entitled QUICK RELEASE VALVE ASSEMBLY, filed Sep. 10, 2004.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to fluid system components. Moreparticularly, exemplary embodiments of the invention relate to a quickdisconnect valve assembly that provides positive, rapid and reliableflow shutoff, as well as rapid establishment of flow.

2. Related Technology

Effective and reliable control of fluid system materials is important inmany applications. For example, hazardous materials such as acids, gasesand various types of dangerous chemicals can cause significant damage tolife and property if not properly contained and controlled by the fluidsystem. Further, various environmental regulations and rules sharplyconstrain the permissible amount of certain materials that can bereleased into the environment. The penalties for violating such rulesand regulations can be quite significant in many cases.

Not only must piping systems and components be designed, installed andmaintained in such a way as to provide effective and reliablecontainment of the fluid system material, but such systems andcomponents must also be easy to use and must operate reliably in a widevariety of environments and system conditions. For example, many pipingsystems experience sustained exposure to extreme heat or extreme cold.

Further, the materials contained within the piping system presentchallenges as well. For example, high pressure and/or high temperaturesystems can pose a significant danger to system operators, and others,in the event that a leak develops or there is an uncontrolled release ofthe system fluid. The piping system and associated components may beexposed to other potentially hazardous conditions as well. One exampleof this concerns tanker filling operations. In particular, it is notuncommon for a tanker to inadvertently leave the filling point while thefill hose is still connected to the tanker. As the tanker moves awayfrom the fill point, the hose and/or associated connection invariablyfails, resulting in the release of system fluid to the atmosphere wherethe uncontrolled escape of fluid, and/or the fluid itself, can endangerboth life and property.

In view of the foregoing, it would be useful to provide a quickdisconnect valve assembly that is able to quickly and reliablyestablish, or shut off, fluid flow in a piping system. The quickdisconnect valve assembly should also be constructed to substantiallyprevent inadvertent disconnection when the associated piping system ispressurized. Further, the quick disconnect valve assembly shouldprevent, or at least minimize, the escape of system fluid when the quickdisconnect valve assembly is connected and disconnected. Finally,embodiments of the quick disconnect valve assembly should be suitablefor use in a wide range of applications, including, but not limited to,cryogenic applications.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF AN EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

In general, the invention is concerned with fluid system components. Inone exemplary embodiment, a quick disconnect valve assembly is providedthat includes first and second valve elements configured to releasablyengage each other. Each of the valve elements includes a housing thatdefines a valve seat and a fluid passageway. A plunger is disposedwithin the housing and arranged for selective engagement with the valveseat. The plunger is biased into a sealing engagement with the valveseat by a resilient element disposed within the housing. In this way,the fluid passageway of each valve element is closed off when the firstand second valve elements are separated from each other. Conversely,when the valve elements are engaged with each other, the respectivebiases associated with the plungers counteracting each other to theextent that each plunger is lifted off the corresponding valve seat andfluid communication is established between the respective fluidpassageways of the first and second valve elements.

In this way, embodiments of the invention provide for, among otherthings, a fail safe quick disconnect valve assembly that minimizes theescape of system fluid when elements of the quick disconnect valveassembly are disengaged from each other, and when the quick disconnectvalve assembly is disengaged from other fluid system components.Additionally, the quick disconnect valve assembly can be easily andreliably operated without posing a safety risk to the operator or toproperty.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To further clarify the above and other aspects of exemplary embodimentsof the present invention, a more particular description of the inventionwill be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which areillustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that thesedrawings depict only exemplary embodiments of the invention and aretherefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention willbe described and explained with additional specificity and detailthrough the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic that illustrates aspects of an exemplary operatingenvironment for embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating aspects of anexemplary implementation of a quick disconnect valve; and

FIG. 3A is a section view indicating the arrangement of various elementsof an exemplary implementation of a quick disconnect valve, andillustrating the positioning of various elements when the housings aredisengaged;

FIG. 3B is a section view indicating the arrangement of various elementsof an exemplary implementation of a quick disconnect valve, andillustrating the positioning of various elements when the housings areengaged;

FIG. 4A is a top view illustrating an anti-backlash aspect of someembodiments of the invention; and

FIG. 4B is a top view providing further details concerning ananti-backlash aspect of some embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are generally concerned with aquick disconnect valve assembly that is able to quickly and reliablyestablish, or shut off, fluid flow in a piping system. As noted in thefollowing description, embodiments of the quick disconnect valveassembly are constructed to substantially prevent inadvertentdisconnection when an associated piping system is pressurized. Further,the quick disconnect valve assembly substantially prevents, or at leastminimizes, the escape of system fluid when valve elements of the quickdisconnect valve assembly are connected with each other, anddisconnected from each other.

The quick disconnect valve assembly is suitable for use in a wide rangeof applications, and in connection with a variety of system fluids,including, but not limited to, cryogenic and other extreme temperatureapplications. One example of such an application concerns the transferand processing of partially or completely liquefied CO₂. However, suchoperating environments are exemplary only and embodiments of theinvention may, more generally, be employed in any other environmentwherein the functionality disclosed herein would prove useful. Forexample, embodiments of the invention are suitable for use with fluidssuch as liquefied natural gas (“LNG”), liquefied propane (“LPG”),refrigerants, and liquid oxygen. Accordingly, the exemplary operatingenvironments, applications and system fluids disclosed herein should notbe construed to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

I. Applications and Operating Environments

As noted above, embodiments of the invention are suitable for use in avariety of applications and operating environments. In some cases,embodiments of the invention are employed in connection with a fluidtransfer system, exemplified by the fluid transfer system 100 disclosedin FIG. 1. As used herein, “fluid” refers to gases, liquids, solidmaterial suspensions, and combinations of gases and liquids, one exampleof which is a combination of liquid and vapor phases of a refrigerant orother cryogenic material.

As indicated in FIG. 1, the exemplary fluid transfer system 100 includesa fluid source 102, which may additionally or alternatively comprise afluid destination, configured for fluid communication with a fluiddestination 104, which may additionally or alternatively comprise afluid source, by way of a fluid conduit 106 and a quick disconnect valveassembly 200. The fluid source 102 may comprise a pump, tank or anyother system or device from which fluid can be transferred.

In at least some cases, the fluid source 102 comprises a filling ortransfer station. Correspondingly, the fluid destination 104 comprises,in some cases, a tanker truck that is configured to receive fluid fromthe filling or transfer station, and/or to transfer fluid to the fillingor transfer station. The fluid conduit 106 by way of which fluid istransferred comprises any material(s) suitable for the intendedapplication. Examples of fluid conduit 106 materials include, but arenot limited to, rubber, silicone, polytetrafluoroethylene (“PTFE”),plastic, nylon, and metallic materials.

As suggested above, the quick disconnect valve assembly 200 facilitatesselective transfer of fluid between the fluid source 102 and the fluiddestination 104. While more detailed information is provided below, thequick disconnect valve assembly 200 generally includes first and secondvalve elements 202 and 204, respectively, configured to operably engageeach other. In some applications, one of the valve elements ispermanently attached to, for example, a tanker truck, while the othervalve element remains attached to the fluid conduit 106 at the fluidsource 102.

The first and second valve elements 202 and 204 are generally configuredso that when engaged, such as for effecting a fluid transfer operation,an open fluid passageway is defined through which fluid can flow fromone of the valve elements into the other. In order to facilitate suchengagement, a sleeve 206 is provided that includes sleeve halves 206Aand 206B joined together by a collar 208 that is protected by a shield210 attached to sleeve half 206A. The first valve element 202 isdisposed within the sleeve half 206A while, as suggested earlier, thesecond valve element 204 comprises an element of a tanker truck fluidtransfer system, for example.

In general, the first and second valve elements 202 and 204 are operablyengaged when an operator rotates handle 212, attached to shield 210, sothat pins (see FIG. 2) disposed on the interior of sleeve half 206Bengage corresponding grooves (see FIG. 2) defined on the exteriorsurface of valve element 204. Due to the angular configuration of thegrooves, rotation of the handle 212 in the clockwise direction advancesvalve element 202 toward valve element 204 until an open fluidpassageway is defined through which fluid can flow from one of the valveelements into the other. Separation of the valve elements 202 and 204from each other and, correspondingly, cessation of flow through and fromthe valve elements 202 and 204, is accomplished by rotating the handle212 counterclockwise until the pins disposed on the interior of sleevehalf 206B disengage the corresponding grooves defined on the exteriorsurface of valve element 204.

In the event that excessive force is applied to the quick disconnectvalve assembly 200, such as may occur if a tanker truck leaves a fillingstation prior to normal separation of sleeve half 206B from valveelement 204, a sacrificial element (not shown) of the collar 208 failsbefore damage can occur to the quick disconnect valve assembly 200. Inaddition, and as discussed in further detail below, exemplaryembodiments of the quick disconnect valve assembly 200 are configured sothat in the event of a jet effect, such as can occur if one of the valveelements does not fully close when the valve elements are separated, thehandle 212 does not rotate and injure the operator.

II. Exemplary Quick Disconnect Valve Assembly

With attention now to FIGS. 2 through 3B, further details are providedconcerning the construction of an exemplary quick disconnect valveassembly, denoted generally at 300. Generally, FIG. 2 is an explodedperspective view of the quick disconnect valve assembly 300, indicatingthe various elements that make up the exemplary quick disconnect valveassembly, and FIGS. 3A and 3B are section views providing furtherdetails concerning the arrangement, and operation, of elements of theexemplary quick disconnect valve assembly.

As indicated in FIGS. 2 through 3B, the exemplary quick disconnect valveassembly 300 includes a first housing 302, composed of 316 StainlessSteel or other suitable material(s), that defines a fluid passageway302A within which is disposed a plunger 304, composed of 360 Brass orother suitable material(s), that is slidingly supported by, and arrangedfor reciprocal motion relative to, an adapter 306, discussed in furtherdetail below.

The fluid passageway 302A of the first housing 302 is defined, in part,by a seat 302B which has a geometry that, in general, is complementarywith the geometry of a plunger face 304A of the plunger 304. Thus, theillustrated plunger face 304A and seat 302B geometries are exemplary andare not intended to limit the scope of the invention Note thatcombinations including the first housing 302, plunger 304 and seat 302Bmay also be referred to herein as a “valve element” of the quickdisconnect valve assembly 300. The same is likewise true with respect tothe second housing and corresponding components.

A sealing element 308 disposed within a groove defined in the plungerface 304A prevents flow through the fluid passageway 302A when theplunger face 304A is in contact with the seat 302B. In someimplementations, the sealing element 308 takes the form of a PTFEO-ring, but other sealing element materials and/or configurations mayalternatively be employed. As well, some implementations provide for asealing element in the seat 302B, either in addition to sealing element308, or as an alternative to the use of sealing element 308. Thus,various numbers, types, and arrangements of sealing elements may beemployed.

With continuing reference to the plunger 304, embodiments of the plunger304 include a plunger shaft 304B that, in some implementations, has asubstantially hexagonal cross-section. This type of cross-section allowsa small amount of CO₂, or other, system fluid to flow through a guide ofthe adapter 306 within which the plunger shaft 304B is slidinglyreceived. Because any moisture that is present in the system willquickly freeze at liquid CO₂ temperatures, approximately −100° F., thehexagonal plunger shaft 304B prevents frozen moisture from jamming theplunger 304, so that the plunger 304 can continue to move. Of course,the hexagonal plunger shaft configuration is exemplary only and,alternatively, the plunger shaft 304B may have a substantially circularcross-section, oval cross-section, or a cross-section of a polygonalshape other than a hexagon.

As indicated in the figures, the plunger 304 further includes a terminalportion 304C configured to interface with a corresponding terminalportion of another plunger. Generally, the terminal portion 304C has ageometry that is complementary with the terminal portion of the opposingplunger, discussed below. In the illustrated implementation, theterminal portion 304C defines a conical recess configured to engage acorresponding conical extension of the opposing plunger. However, theillustrated arrangement may be reversed. As well, some embodiments ofthe invention provide for substantially flat terminal portions of theplungers.

In yet another alternative, the terminal portion 304C comprises either acylindrical recess, or a cylinder, while the terminal portion of theother plunger comprises the corresponding complementary geometry.Another embodiment provides for a terminal portion 304C that compriseseither a partial spherical recess, or a spherical extension, while theterminal portion of the other plunger comprises the correspondingcomplementary geometry. In any case, the scope of the invention is notlimited to any particular configuration.

It was noted above that the plunger 304 is configured and arranged forreciprocal motion. To this end, a resilient element 310, such as a 316stainless steel spring for example, is provided that is disposed aboutthe plunger shaft 304B and generally serves to bias the plunger face304A toward the seat 302B defined by the first housing 302. Furtherdetails concerning the operation of the resilient element 310 andplunger 304 are provided below.

With continuing reference to the first housing 302 and associatedcomponents, the adapter 306 exemplarily comprises 316 stainless steel,and includes a lower portion 306A configured with external threads toengage corresponding internal threads of the first housing 302. An upperportion 306B of the adapter 306 includes wrench flats 306C to facilitatetightening of the adapter 306 in the first housing 302. Exemplarily, theadapter 306 includes four wrench flats 306C arranged at ninety degreesapart, but other arrangements may be employed instead. Additionally, theupper portion 306B of the adapter 306 is generally configured to matewith a fluid transfer hose or other device and, in some embodiments,comprises a British Standard Pipe (“BSP”) connection. A sealing element312, such as a silicone rubber O-ring for example, substantiallyprevents leakage from the interface between the adapter 306 and firsthousing 302.

Attention is directed now to aspects of the exterior of the firsthousing 302. As indicated in FIGS. 2 through 3B, the exterior of thefirst housing 302 defines one or more grooves 302C, each of which isconfigured to receive a corresponding sealing element, such as an O-ringfor example. In addition, the illustrated embodiment of the firsthousing 302 defines at least one groove 302D configured to receive aretaining ring, discussed in further detail below.

With continued attention to FIGS. 2 through 3B, the quick disconnectvalve assembly 300 further includes a second housing 314. As thediscussion of the configuration and operation of the first housing 302and associated components is largely germane to the second housing 314,the discussion of the second housing 314 will be primarily confined toselected differences between the two housings.

The second housing 314 is configured to removably receive a portion ofthe first housing 302 in such a way that a fluid passageway 316 iscooperatively defined by the first housing 302 and the second housing314. A packet seal and retaining ring 318, exemplarily composed ofelastomer, is disposed at the interface of the first housing 302 and thesecond housing 314 so as to provide for a substantially leakproofconnection.

More particularly, the packet seal and retaining ring 318 includes aleading lip that permits the packet seal and retaining ring 318 toself-align when positioned on the first housing 302, and to compensatefor thermal shock associated with cryogenic freezing. In addition, thelip is configured and positioned so that expanding liquid CO₂, or othersystem fluid, acts on the lip in such a way that the male sleeve half334 positively locks with the second housing 314. Specifically, theexpanding fluid acts on the lip, pushing the male sleeve half 334 awayfrom the second housing 314, and seating the guide pins 334A in theirrespective grooves 314C, such as J-grooves, so that the male sleeve half334 is locked into a safe engagement with the second housing 314.

To further assist in establishing and maintaining a substantiallyleaktight connection between the first housing 302 and the secondhousing 314, a sealing element 320 is provided, exemplified by asilicone O-ring, that is interposed between the first housing 302 andthe second housing 314, generally as indicated in FIG. 3B.

Similar to the case of first housing 302, an adapter 322 is associatedwith second housing 314. The adapter 322, exemplarily comprising 316stainless steel, includes a lower portion 322A that defines externalthreads configured to engage corresponding internal threads of thesecond housing 314. An upper portion 322B of the adapter 322 is attachedto the lower portion 322A and, exemplarily, defines a female nationalpipe thread (“FNPT”) connection. A substantially leaktight connection isestablished and maintained between the adapter 322 and the secondhousing 314 by a sealing element 324, exemplified as a silicone rubberO-ring, and interposed between the adapter 322 and the second housing314.

As indicated in FIGS. 3A and 3B, as well as FIG. 1, the adapter 322 is,in at least some embodiments, securely clamped to a tanker truck orother vehicle. To this end, a clamp 323 is provided that has a geometrythat is complementary with that of the adapter 322. In particular, a lip322C of the adapter 322 extends out of the clamp as indicated and thusresists any separation of the adapter 322 from the tanker truck or othervehicle or structure to which the adapter 322 is attached. Among otherthings, this arrangement prevents damage to piping on the truck and,correspondingly, prevents uncontrolled cryogenic releases.

As in the case of the adapter 306, the adapter 322 is configured andarranged to slidingly support a plunger 326 substantially disposedwithin the second housing 314 and including a plunger face 326A andterminal portion 326B. A resilient element 328 disposed within thehousing about the plunger shaft 326C biases the plunger 326 toward aseat 314A defined by the second housing 314 so that a sealing element327 contacts the seat 314A when the second housing 314 is disengagedfrom the first housing 302. The terminal portion 326B of the plunger 326interfaces with the terminal portion 304C of plunger 304, as describedabove. In at least some embodiments, the plungers 304 and 326 areinterchangeable with each other.

In general, and as disclosed in further detail below, the resilientelements 310 and 328, and plungers 304 and 326 are arranged so that eachresilient element biases its corresponding plunger in such a way thateach plunger moves the opposing plunger off the corresponding seat.Thus, the biases imposed, respectively, by the resilient elements 310and 328 are offsetting to an extent that both of the plungers 304 and326 are lifted off their corresponding seats, and remain at staticequilibrium, when the first and second housings 302 and 314 are fullyengaged with each other. As a result, fluid communication is establishedbetween the first and second housings 302 and 314. Correspondingly, whenfirst and second housings 302 and 314 are disengaged from each other,the resilient elements 310 and 328 are free to act upon the plungers 304and 326, respectively, in such a way that each of the plungers 304 and326 are biased into a seated position on the corresponding seat.Generally, the resilient elements 310 and 328 are selected such that theseating of the plungers on the seats occurs relatively rapidly, so as tosubstantially prevent or minimize any escape of system fluid upondisengagement of the first and second housings 302 and 314 from eachother.

With continuing reference now to the second housing 314, a groove 314Bis defined that is configured to receive a sealing element, as discussedin further detail below. Additionally, a plurality of grooves 314C aredefined in the exterior of the second housing 314 and are configured andarranged to receive corresponding structure of a sleeve 330, discussedbelow. In at least some implementations, at least a portion of thegrooves 314C substantially describes a “J,” or other functionallyequivalent configuration, arranged about the circumference, or a portionthereof, of the second housing 314 so that the second housing 314 cannotbe readily disengaged from the aforementioned sleeve 330 when the systemis pressurized. In some exemplary implementations, the second housing314 defines three grooves 314C. More generally however, the number,arrangement, orientation, and configuration of the grooves 314C may beselected as desired. In one alternative implementation, the secondhousing 314 includes a plurality of guide pins configured and arrangedto engage corresponding grooves defined by the sleeve 330.

With continuing reference to the second housing 314, the geometry of theexemplary grooves 314C is such as to allow the plungers 304 and 326 toremain closed until the guide pins 334A, discussed below, are engagedwith the angled portion of the grooves 314C. Among other things, thisarrangement permits vectoring of the force of engagement on the angledportion of the grooves 314C, rather than requiring the operator toovercome the force inside the hose behind the plunger 326, which forcecould be as high as 100 pounds, or more. Moreover, the angled portion ofthe grooves 314C is stepped so that, through a ninety degree turn, thesubstantially greatest force is approximately located near the middle ofthe twist, where the operator has the most leverage.

In addition, implementation of the grooves 314C in the illustrated “J”configuration is useful for other reasons as well. For example, itsometimes occurs that a plunger is stuck open, which may be likely dueto the nature of liquid CO₂ or other materials present in the fluidtransfer system, such as in the fluid passageway 302A of the firsthousing 302 and/or the fluid passageway 314D of the second housing 314.Specifically, moisture, such as may be present in the system, expands atabout seven percent and can fill the void of any tolerances presentbetween the outside diameter of the plunger shaft and the insidediameter of the guide wherein the plunger shaft is received.

In the event a plunger sticks, the liquid CO₂, or other substance,exposed to atmospheric pressure, sublimates. That is, the system fluidmoves directly and rapidly from a cryogenic liquid phase to a gas phase.This rapid expansion would ordinarily present a significant danger bothto the safety of the operator, as well as to any property in the area.However, the length of the “J” portion of the grooves 314C permits theoperator to cycle the male half of the sleeve, discussed below, in anattempt to dislodge the stuck valve, and so that any residual pressurecan escape.

Further details are now provided concerning the exemplary sleeve 330. Asindicated in the figures, the sleeve 330 includes a female sleeve half332 and a male sleeve half 334, both of which exemplarily comprisenitrited stainless steel. As suggested above, the male sleeve half 334includes a plurality of guide pins 334A, each of which is configured toengage a corresponding groove 314C defined by the second housing 314. Asealing element 336, exemplarily a PTFE O-ring, disposed in the groove314B serves to facilitate a substantially leaktight connection betweenthe engaged second housing 314 and male sleeve half 334.

The male sleeve half 334 further defines a keyway 334B that generallyaligns with corresponding integral keys 332A of the female sleeve half332, as described below. Similar to the case of the male sleeve half, asealing element 339, exemplarily a PTFE O-ring, disposed in the groove302C serves to facilitate a substantially leaktight connection betweenthe first housing 302 and female sleeve half 332. In someimplementations, the first housing 302 is designed and intended toremain within the female sleeve half 332 at all times, whereas the malesleeve half 334 is, as noted above, intended to selectively engage anddisengage the second housing 314.

To further facilitate a secure connection between the first housing 302and the female sleeve half 332, a wave spring 338 is provided that isinterposed between the first housing 302 and female sleeve half 332. Ingeneral, the wave spring 338, or comparable structure(s), exerts areactive force on the first housing 302 and the female sleeve half 332when compressed as a result of the attachment of the female sleeve half332 to the first housing 302. In some implementations, the wave spring338 substantially comprises stainless steel. In addition, a retainingring 340, made of stainless steel or other material(s) and disposed ingroove 302D, aids in the retention and positioning of the female sleevehalf 332 relative to the first housing 302.

With continuing attention to the sleeve 330, the female sleeve half 332and male sleeve half 334 are attached to each other by way of abreakaway collar 342. One or more sealing elements 344, such as O-rings,interposed between the female sleeve half 332 and male sleeve half 334aid in the control of system fluid leakage from the interface of thefemale sleeve half 332 and male sleeve half 334.

As indicated in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the breakaway collar 342 is configuredto receive corresponding structure of the female sleeve half 332 andmale sleeve half 334 so that the female sleeve half 332 and male sleevehalf 334 remain in contact with each other. However, the breakawaycollar 342 includes one or more sacrificial elements (not shown), orcomparable structure(s), designed to fail when a predetermined force isexerted on the quick disconnect valve assembly 300. In this way, seriousdamage to the quick disconnect valve assembly 300 is avoided.

Protection of the breakaway collar 342 is afforded by a shield 346 thatis attached to the female sleeve half 332, and composed of anodized 316stainless steel. As indicated in the figures, the shield 346 generallyextends to the point that the perimeter of the breakaway collar 342 issubstantially enclosed by the shield 346.

In order to facilitate selective engagement and disengagement of themale sleeve half 334 with the second housing 314, a handle 348 isprovided that is attached to the shield 346. The handle 348 is at leastpartially retained in position by way of a retaining ring 350. In oneimplementation, the handle 348 substantially comprises anodized 316stainless steel, while the retaining ring 350 is composed simply of 316stainless steel.

As best indicated in FIG. 2, the exemplary handle 348 is implementedwith a football-shaped geometry. Among other things, this handle 348geometry helps to ensure that the handle 348 does not get caught on theside of a tanker truck. In addition, this geometry increases thelikelihood that a loose handle 348 will simply bounce off the truck orother structure, rather than getting hung up on the structure. Finally,the handle 348 geometry contributes to a safe work environment since thehandle 348 does not include sharp edges, or protruding elements thatcould injure a worker or property.

Safety measures implemented in connection with embodiments of theinvention are not limited to aspects such as the shield 346, discussedabove. In particular, and directing attention to FIGS. 4A and 4B,exemplary embodiments of the invention include an anti-backlash featurethat vents residual pressure so that a hose attached, for example, tothe first housing 302 will not whip around during the release ofpressure that attends the disconnection of the first and second housings302 and 314.

In particular, should one or both of the plungers be stuck open, thefirst housing 302 to which the handle 348 is attached may twist offrapidly. This is due to the fact that some materials, such as liquidCO₂, expand very rapidly under certain conditions. Thus, if the operatorwere still holding on to the handle 348, the hands and arms of theoperator would be rapidly whipped through a 90 degree twist, possiblyseriously injuring the operator.

Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, a pair of backlash slots 352 aremilled into the first housing 302, and corresponding “swaths” 354 aremilled on the inside diameter of the shield 346. As a result of thisarrangement, the operator must rotate the sleeve 330, as much as a full180 degrees, the exemplary back lash slot 352 travel, and then continueto rotate the sleeve 330 with the handle 348 until the guide pins 334Aare fully engaged with the grooves 314C. During disconnection,counterclockwise rotation locks up the back lash slots 352 so that,should a violent separation occur, the hose coupling assembly spins, butthe handle 348 does not.

III. Operational Aspects of a Quick Disconnect Valve Assembly

As noted earlier, in some exemplary implementations, the second housing314 of the quick disconnect valve assembly 300 comprises an element of atanker truck or other mobile fluid source/destination while, on theother hand, the first housing 302 and attached sleeve 330 of the quickdisconnect valve assembly 300 comprise elements of a fluid transferstation configured to interact with the tanker truck. When the quickdisconnect valve assembly 300 is not in use, such that the guide pins334A of the male sleeve half 334 are disengaged from the correspondinggrooves 314C defined by the second housing 314, each of the resilientelements 310 and 328 is able to act freely on the corresponding plungers304 and 326. As a result, the plunger faces 304A and 326A are eachbiased into a “closed” position such that the associated sealingelements 308 and 327 contact the corresponding seats 302B and 314A ofthe housings 302 and 314. In this way, the fluid passageways 302A and314D are substantially sealed so that fluid flow through and between thehousings 302 and 314 is substantially precluded.

In operation, connection of the first housing 302 with the secondhousing 314 is commenced by orienting the first housing 302 so that eachguide pin 334A of the male sleeve half 334 is positioned to enter acorresponding groove 314C defined by the second housing 314. Clockwiserotation of the handle 348, such as a quarter turn for example, causesthe guide pins 334A to travel along and within the respective grooves314C defined by the second housing 314 until each of the guide pins 334Aare located at a predetermined position within a respective groove 314C.

Because each plunger 304 and 326 is biased toward the other by way of arespective resilient element 310 and 328, the plungers 304 and 326 areforced into contact with each other as the guide pins 334A of the malesleeve half 334 engage and travel along the respective grooves 314Cdefined by the second housing 314. As a result of this contact betweenthe plungers 304 and 326, as well as exertion of the respective biasesimposed on the plungers 304 and 326 by the resilient elements 310 and328, each plunger 304 and 326 is lifted off its corresponding seat 302Band 314A into an “open” position by the other plunger 304 and 326, andfluid communication is established between the respective fluidpassageways 302A and 314D of the first and second housings 302 and 314.In this way, fluid flow through and between the housings 302 and 314 isenabled.

Disengagement of the male sleeve half 334 and the second housing 314enables each of the resilient elements 310 and 328 to act freely on thecorresponding plungers 304 and 326. As a result, the plunger faces 304Aand 326A are each biased so that the associated sealing elements 308 and327 contact the corresponding seats 302B and 314A of the housings 302and 314. In this way, the fluid passageways 302A and 314D are sealedwhen the first and second housings 302 and 314 are separated from eachother. Thus, separation of the first and second housings 302 and 314from each other, for whatever reason, results in the rapid and positiveshutoff of any flow through the fluid passageway 316.

Moreover, because the fluid passageways 302A and 314D have a relativelysmall volume, the spillage, if any, of any materials remaining in thefluid passageways 302A and 314D after separation of the first and secondhousings 302 and 314 would be minimal. In this regard, it should benoted that the fluid passageways 302A and 314D, as well as otherelements of the quick disconnect valve assembly 300 such as the plungers304 and 326, may be designed and implemented in such a way as tofacilitate minimization of any fluid spillage that might occur at thetime of separation of the first and second housings 302 and 314. Forexample, increasing the size of the plungers 304 and 326 would reducethe volume of the respective fluid passageways 302A and 314D.

As noted earlier, exemplary embodiments of the invention further providea safety operating feature which is implemented in connection with thebreakaway collar 342. In particular, in the event that a force ofpredetermined magnitude is exerted upon the quick disconnect valveassembly 300, such as could occur, for example, when a truck to whichthe second housing 314 is attached, pulls away from the loading areawhere the hose and first housing 302 are located, the female sleeve half332 and/or male sleeve half 334 will exert a force on the breakawaycollar 342 until the sacrificial element implemented within thebreakaway collar 342 fails. Because the first housing 302 is receivedand secured within the female sleeve half 332, separation of the sleevefemale sleeve half 332 and male sleeve half 334 from each other likewiseresults in separation of the first housing 302 and the second housing314 from each other. Consequently, the plungers 304 and 326 are rapidlyurged to the seated position on their corresponding seats 302B and 314A,as described above, so that the quick disconnect valve assembly 300effectively falls closed.

Thus, embodiments of the invention provide for, among other things,rapid and positive flow shutoff whenever the first and second housings302 and 314 are separated from each other, whether as a result ofrotation of the handle 348 so as to separate the housings 302 and 314,or as a result of situations where the sleeve 330 halves are forciblyseparated as a result of the exertion of a predetermined force on thequick disconnect valve assembly 300. Further, such embodiments arelikewise effective in containing and controlling any residual or linepressure that may accumulate or persist in portions of the fluid system,either upstream or downstream of the quick disconnect valve assembly,prior to, during, or after disconnection.

The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only asexemplary and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore,indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoingdescription. All changes which come within the meaning and range ofequivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

1. A valve element comprising: a housing defining a seat and a fluidpassageway, the housing further having a guide at least partiallydisposed within the fluid passageway so that fluid flowing through thefluid passageway flows around an exterior surface of the guide, theguide comprising an internal channel having a first geometriccross-sectional shape; a plunger disposed within the housing andarranged for reciprocal movement within the housing so that the plungeris able to selectively engage the seat, the plunger including a plungerface configured to cooperatively engage with a corresponding plungerface of a second plunger, and the plunger including a plunger shaftslideably received within the internal channel of the guide and arrangedfor reciprocal movement within the internal channel of the guide, theplunger shaft having a second geometrical cross-sectional shape that isdifferent from the first geometric cross-sectional shape of the internalchannel of the guide, wherein the first geometric cross-sectional shapeof the guide and the second geometric cross-sectional shape of theplunger shaft cooperate to allow fluid to flow through the internalchannel of the guide between an internal surface of the guide and anexternal surface of the plunger shaft; and a resilient elementpositioned at least partially around the guide and being configured andarranged to bias the plunger into a sealing engagement with the seat sothat the fluid passageway is substantially sealed where no offsettingforce is present, and the resilient element further configured andarranged to be susceptible to application of an offsetting forceadequate to move the plunger off the seat and open the fluid passageway.2. The valve element as recited in claim 1, wherein the plunger shafthas a polygonal cross-section.
 3. The valve element as recited in claim1, wherein the plunger includes a substantially conical face configuredto engage the seat.
 4. The valve element as recited in claim 1, whereinsealing engagement of the plunger with the seat is facilitated by way ofa sealing element arranged for contact with the plunger and with theseat.
 5. The valve element as recited in claim 4, wherein the sealingelement comprises an O-ring carried by the plunger.
 6. The valve elementas recited in claim 1, wherein the housing further includes an adapterconfigured for fluid communication with the fluid passageway.
 7. Thevalve element as recited in claim 1, wherein the housing defines aplurality of grooves, at least a portion of each of the grooves beingsubstantially J-shaped.
 8. The valve element as recited in claim 7,wherein the plurality of grooves are defined on an outer circumferentialsurface of the housing.
 9. The valve element as recited in claim 7,wherein the plurality of grooves are angled, such that the housing isarranged to engage a mating portion and draw closer to the matingportion by rotating with respect thereto.
 10. The valve element asrecited in claim 1, wherein the first geometric cross-sectional shape ofthe plunger shaft and the second geometric cross-sectional shape of theguide are configured to allow at least some cryogenic fluid to passbetween said plunger shaft and said guide.
 11. A valve element,comprising: a first valve element that includes: a housing defining afluid passageway, a seat configured for sealing said fluid passageway,and a plunger guide; a plunger slideably received within said plungerguide and arranged for reciprocal movement within said housing, whereinsaid plunger has a plunger face configured for sealing engagement withsaid seat of said housing; and a resilient element arranged so that whensaid first valve element is engaged to a second valve element having arespective plunger, said plunger of said first valve element biases intoengagement with said plunger of said second valve element to reside inan equilibrium position where said fluid passageway of said first valveelement is in fluid communication with a fluid passageway of a housingof said second valve element; and a coupling member attached to saidhousing of said first valve element, said coupling member being arrangedto attach to a coupling member releasably attached to said housing ofsaid second valve element; a breakaway collar arranged to releasablyjoin said coupling member attached to said housing of said first valveelement to said coupling member releasably attached to said housing ofsaid second valve element; and a handle at least indirectly attached tosaid coupling member attached to said housing of said first valveelement.
 12. A valve element, comprising: a housing defining a fluidpassageway, a valve seat, and a plunger guide, said plunger guide beingpositioned within said fluid passageway so that fluid flowing throughsaid fluid passageway flows around an exterior surface of said plungerguide, said plunger guide having an opening extending therethrough, saidopening within said guide having a substantially uniform geometriccross-sectional shape; a plunger within said fluid passageway, saidplunger including: a plunger face, said plunger face having a base and aterminal tip, wherein said plunger face has a substantially triangularcross-sectional shape between said terminal tip and said base; and aplunger shaft directly attached to said base of said plunger face, saidplunger shaft being slideably received within said opening of saidplunger guide, said plunger shaft having a substantially uniformgeometric cross-sectional shape that is different from said geometriccross-sectional shape of said plunger guide, wherein said geometriccross-sectional shape of said plunger shaft and said geometriccross-sectional shape of said plunger guide allow at least somecryogenic fluid to pass between said plunger shaft and said plungerguide; a resilient member disposed around said plunger guide andengaging said base of said plunger face, said resilient member beingarranged to bias said plunger into a sealing engagement with said valveseat, so that said fluid passageway is substantially sealed when nooffsetting force is present, and said resilient member further beingarranged to be susceptible to application of an offsetting forceadequate to move said plunger off said valve seat to thereby open saidfluid passageway.
 13. The valve element as recited in claim 12, whereinsaid terminal tip of said plunger is configured to mate with acorresponding terminal tip of a plunger of a second valve element toprovide said offsetting force.
 14. The valve element as recited in claim13, wherein said terminal tip includes a female member configured toengage a correspondingly shaped male member of a terminal tip of saidsecond valve element.
 15. The valve element as recited in claim 13,wherein said terminal tip includes a male member configured to engage acorrespondingly shaped female member of a terminal tip of said secondvalve element.
 16. The valve element as recited in claim 12, whereinsaid plunger shaft is substantially hexagonal, and said plunger guide issubstantially circular.
 17. The valve element as recited in claim 12,wherein said housing is a first housing and said plunger is a firstplunger, and wherein said resilient member is configured to receive anoffsetting force from a second plunger disposed within a second housing,and wherein said first plunger and said second plunger are different,yet interchangeable.